Hilbre Island

I have just returned from a weeks holiday on the Llyn Peninsular (more about that in later posts), the beautiful Llyn Peninsular really is a world away from the streets of south Liverpool at present (if you don't read or watch the news I'm not going to explain)! Before we left I visited Hilbre Island on Wednesday 27th, Hilbre is great for Terns at this time of year and I was not disappointed; with over 400 Sandwhich Terns amongst smaller numbers of Common and 2 Little Terns, these Terns in the process attracting a pale phase Arctic Skua. Migrants where trickling through with a juv Stonechat being the highlight, others included good numbers of Swallows, Willow Warbler, Mipits and Pied Wags. Waders included over 30 Turnstones and a Whimbrell. Other highlights included the rare Cotton Sea Lavender and plenty of Graylings on the West side of the island, with each fervently patrolling its own territory and chasing off rival males. The Grey Seals showed well as usual from the North-end........show offs.

Hilbre again

Had another attempt at showing Dylan the Grey Seals on Hilbre Island this afternoon and believe it or not the rain held off! The seals came very close to the north-end and down to about 20 feet. It realy is amazing to get so close to these large marine mammals and has got to be one of the regions most memorable wildlife encounters.

Other highlights around the islands included 300+ Sandwich Terns, 5 Shags, Little Egret, Turnstones, and Rock Sea Lavender.

Hilbre washout

We decided to visit Hilbre Island last Tuesday with the aim of showing our son Dylan his first Grey Seals. Instead of the pleasant trip we expected the heavens opened just as we reached the main island and the rain grew steadily stronger and stronger! However Dylan did see his first seals through the gloom.

Not much showing on the island due to the weather but 2 Little Egrets, 120+ Sandwich Terns, Wheatear, and a Dark-Green Fritilary (unusual between the Great Orme and the Sefton Coast) struggling across the West side of the island in the driving rain!

A special thank you to the Ranger on the Island that generously offered us a lift back to the mainland.